Rule.



I G. E. JEWBLL & 0. H. WESTGOTT.

I RULE. APPLICATION FILED JAN. 24, 1908.

Patented D50. 7, 1909.

I WITNESSES Ge Ml.

ram m UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES E JEWELL AND CHARLES H. WESTCOTT, 0F SENECA FALLS, N EW YORK.

RULE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. '7, 1909.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that we, CHARLES E. J EWELL and CHARLEs H. WESTCOTT, residents of Seneca Falls, in the county of Seneca and State of New York, citizens of the United States, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Rules, of which the following is a specification.

Our invention relates to rules, and especially to wooden rules having inserted metal edges.

Among the objects of the invention are the provision of a very light, strong and flexible rule, and of means by which the metal edges are readily inserted in the wood and securely retained in position.

The accompanying drawing illustrates an exemplifying structure embodying the invention.

Figure l is a top view of a rule. Fig. 2 is a broken end portion, the wood being broken away at one side to show the metal edge in place. Fig. 3 is a transverse section of the complete rule. Fig. 4 is a detail side view of one of the metal strips showing the flanges or barbs formed on it. Fig. 5 is an edge View of the strip of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a View of a fragment of the body, the wood being cut away at each edge to show the slot ready to receive the metal edge and on one side showing the groove cut in the sides of the slots by the barbs on the metal strip. Fig. 7 is an enlarged transverse view of one of the strips showing the rounded ruling edge.

Reference numeral 1 designates the rule body, which may be of wood or any other suitable material and in a preferred construction, is very thin and of sufficient width to provide the necessary strength. In one or both edges of the body are formed slots 2 to receive the metal edge strips. The strips 3 are made of thin flat metal and a wide variety of metal may be used, but to obtain the best results we prefer to use hard, tough material such as steel of suitable grade. If such material is used the ruling edge is extremely durable and not liable to be injured by bending or denting. The ruling edges 4 of the strips, as best seen in enlarged section, Fig. 7, are rounded to provide a suitable ruling surface. The opposite edges 5 which are embedded in the body are provided at intervals with transverse projections or barbs 6. These barbs may be formed on the strips in any suitable way. The strips having these barbs are inserted in the slots in the body by pressing the edge of the strip into the slot with one end projecting slightly and forcing the strip lengthwise into proper position. As the barbs enter the slot they cut vertical grooves and on being forced lengthwise cut longitudinal grooves 7 therein, in which they rest. Any tendency of the strips to move outwardly from the body is evidently resisted by the barbs lying in grooves 7.

This construction enables us to produce an extremely light and flexible rule. The body may be made extremely thin since it is reinforced and strengthened by the metal strips. The body in turn supports the relatively narrow strips and holds them in line.

We claim:

1. The combination of a relatively thin rule body having a slot in one edge parallel with the axis of the body and a metal strip permanently inserted in the slot and having members engaging the side of the slot and serving to prevent displacement of the strip.

2. The combination of a rule body having slotted edges and a metal strip permanently inserted in each of the slots and having barbs which enter grooves in the sides of the slot.

3. The combination of a rule body having a slot in one edge, and a metal strip permanently seated in the slot and having integrally formed barbs projecting transversely from it and engaging grooves in the sides of the slots.

4:. A ruler comprising a relatively thin body provided in one edge with a slot parallel with the axis of the body and a metal strip seated in the slot, the strip having projections engaging grooves in the sides of the slot formed by longitudinal displacement of the strip.

5. A ruler comprising a wood body provided at one edge with a longitudinal slot and a metal strip seated in the slot and provided with a plurality of separated projections extending from the strip on each side engaging grooves cut in the edges of the slot by said projections.

CHARLES E. JEWELL. CHARLES H. WESTCOTT.

Witnesses:

THOMAS E. TUTTLE, LILLIAN A. CRUISE. 

